Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Buffalo Lake Lending loans, application process, and repayment.

About Our Loans

What is an installment loan?

An installment loan is a type of loan where you borrow a fixed amount of money and repay it in equal, regular payments (installments) over a set period of time. Unlike payday loans, installment loans are designed to offer short-term financial relief with flexible repayment terms ranging from 3 to 12 months.

With Buffalo Lake Lending, you can borrow between $200 and $2,000 and repay in fixed monthly or biweekly payments that fit your budget.

What can I use the loan for?

You can use your loan for almost any purpose. Common uses include:

  • Unexpected bills or emergencies
  • Medical or dental expenses
  • Car repairs or transportation costs
  • Groceries, utilities, or rent
  • Consolidating other debts
  • Home repairs or improvements
  • Any other personal need
How much money can I borrow?

Buffalo Lake Lending offers installment loans ranging from $200 to $2,000. The exact amount you qualify for depends on various factors including:

  • Your monthly income
  • Your ability to repay
  • Your employment history
  • Your banking history

Apply to find out what amount you qualify for!

How long are the repayment terms?

Repayment terms range from 3 to 12 months. You can choose a shorter term if you want to pay off the loan quickly and save on interest, or a longer term if you need smaller monthly payments.

Your payment schedule will be customized based on your loan amount and chosen term, and will be clearly outlined in your loan agreement.

What is APR and how is it calculated?

APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate. It's the yearly cost of borrowing expressed as a percentage. Your APR includes the interest rate and any fees, expressed as a yearly rate.

Your specific APR depends on:

  • The loan amount you borrow
  • The repayment term you choose
  • Your income and ability to repay
  • Other factors considered during approval

You'll see your exact APR in your loan agreement before you sign.

Eligibility & Requirements

How do I qualify for a loan?

To qualify for a Buffalo Lake Lending installment loan, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Not reside in restricted states (AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, FL, HI, IL, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NY, PA, PR, SD, VT, VA, WV, VI)
  • Have a consistent source of income for the past 90 days
  • Have an open checking account in your name for at least 90 days
  • Not be active duty military or a military dependent
Can I get approved with bad credit?

Yes! Your credit score doesn't determine your eligibility. Buffalo Lake Lending understands that credit isn't perfect, and we focus on your ability to repay rather than your credit history.

If you meet our basic eligibility requirements and can demonstrate a consistent income, you may qualify for a loan even with bad credit or no credit history.

What if I'm military or a military dependent?

Unfortunately, we cannot lend to active duty military members or military dependents. This is a requirement of our lending program.

If you have questions about this requirement, please contact our customer service team at (800) 835-1988.

What states can I apply from?

We do not lend to residents of the following states and territories:

AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, FL, HI, IL, MD, MN, NC, NJ, NY, PA, PR, SD, VT, VA, WV, VI

If you're not sure whether you're eligible based on your state, please contact us at (800) 835-1988 or check during the application process.

Do I need a job to qualify?

You need to have a consistent source of income for the past 90 days, but it doesn't have to be from traditional employment. Acceptable sources of income include:

  • Employment (full-time or part-time)
  • Self-employment or freelance work
  • Social Security benefits
  • Disability benefits
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Pension or retirement income
  • Child support or alimony

Application & Approval

How do I apply for a loan?

Applying is easy and takes just 5 minutes:

  1. Visit our website and click "Apply Now"
  2. Fill in your personal information (name, DOB, SSN)
  3. Enter your contact details (phone, email)
  4. Select your state and provide your address
  5. Enter your income information
  6. Provide your checking account details
  7. Review and submit your application

That's it! Your application will be processed immediately.

When will I know if I've been approved?

You'll receive your approval or denial decision almost immediately after we process your application. There's no waiting days or weeks!

If approved, you'll be notified right away and can proceed to review and sign your loan documents electronically.

What if I'm denied?

If your application is denied, we'll let you know the reason. Common reasons for denial include:

  • Not meeting eligibility requirements
  • Insufficient income
  • Checking account not meeting requirements
  • Residing in a restricted state

You're welcome to reapply after 30 days if your circumstances have changed.

Can I change my loan amount after approval?

Yes, you can request a different loan amount before signing your documents. Contact our customer service team at (800) 835-1988 to discuss your options. This may require additional verification.

Can I cancel my loan after approval?

Yes, you can cancel your loan no later than 5 PM CST on the next business day after approval. This gives you time to review your loan agreement and change your mind if needed.

After this deadline, you're committed to the loan. Please refer to your loan agreement for more information about cancellation.

Funding & Disbursement

How long does it take to get my money?

Once your loan is approved and documents are signed, we process your funding immediately:

  • Approved by 2 PM CST: Funds typically deposited the same business day
  • Approved after 2 PM CST: Funds deposited the next business day

Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding banking holidays.

How will I receive my loan funds?

Your loan funds are deposited directly into the checking account you provided during the application. You can access your money immediately once the deposit is complete.

You can use the funds however you need - there are no restrictions on how you spend the money.

What if there's a problem with my bank deposit?

If you don't receive your funds by the expected time, contact our customer service team immediately at (800) 835-1988. We can help you investigate the issue and ensure your funds are deposited correctly.

Repayment & Payments

How do I make payments?

We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience:

  • ACH (Automatic Bank Transfer): Automatic payments from your checking account
  • Debit Card: Pay by debit card online or by phone
  • Check: Mail a check to our address (see contact info)

Choose the method that works best for you.

Can I pay off my loan early?

Yes! You can pay off your loan in full at any time or make additional payments without any prepayment penalties. Paying early helps you save on interest charges.

We encourage early repayment to help you reduce the total cost of your loan.

What if I can't make a payment?

If you're having trouble making a payment, contact us at least 3 business days before your due date. Our customer service team at (800) 835-1988 may be able to help you find a solution.

Options may vary depending on your loan status, but we'll do our best to work with you.

What happens if I miss a payment?

If a payment is not received by Buffalo Lake Lending 9 or more days after its due date, a delinquency fee of $15.00 will be charged.

Late payments can also affect your credit score. If you're having trouble making a payment, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Can I revoke my ACH authorization?

Yes, you can revoke your ACH authorization at any time. If you do, you must make payments by certified or cashier's check instead.

Your check payment must be received by your due date. Mail payments to:

Buffalo Lake Lending
P.O. Box 254
Ft. Thompson, SD 57339

How can I reduce the cost of my loan?

You can reduce the total cost of your loan by:

  • Making additional payments towards your loan balance
  • Paying off your loan in full before the final due date
  • Choosing a shorter repayment term (fewer months)

The sooner you pay back your loan, the less you'll pay in interest charges.

Security & Privacy

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, your personal information is protected. We use industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption and secure servers.

For detailed information about how we collect, use, and protect your information, please review our Privacy Policy.

What do you do with my information?

We use your information to:

  • Process your loan application
  • Verify your eligibility and identity
  • Manage your loan account
  • Process your payments
  • Communicate with you about your loan

We do not sell your information to third parties. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.

Do you report to credit bureaus?

As a Tribal lender, our reporting practices may differ from traditional lenders. For specific information about whether we report to credit bureaus, please contact our customer service team at (800) 835-1988 or review your loan agreement.

About Tribal Lending

What does it mean to do business with a Tribal company?

Buffalo Lake Lending is an economic arm of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, a federally recognized Indian nation. This means:

  • Your loan is governed by Tribal and federal law, not state law
  • The company operates under Tribal sovereignty
  • Profits support the Tribe and its community
  • You have the same consumer protections as with any lender

Your loan agreement will clearly outline all terms and your rights.

What is the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe?

The Crow Creek Sioux Tribe is a federally recognized Indian nation with a rich history and culture. Buffalo Lake Lending is one of the Tribe's economic enterprises, designed to provide financial services to help individuals and support the community.

For more information about the Tribe, visit their official website or contact our customer service team.

Still Have Questions?

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, our customer service team is here to help!

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Call Us

(800) 835-1988

Available during business hours

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Email Us

support@buffalolakeloanslending.com

We'll respond as soon as possible

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Mail Us

P.O. Box 254
Ft. Thompson, SD 57339

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